New evidence in Jordan Chiles' case revives Olympic bronze hopes.
It's been over 542 days since the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) stripped Jordan Chiles of her only individual Olympic medal – a bronze on the floor exercise – but the long wait may finally be coming to an end. The Swiss Federal Supreme Court has accepted new video evidence that could change the course of history in the case, reviving Chiles' hopes of reclaiming her bronze medal.
Chiles and her team formally appealed the CAS's ruling through the Swiss Federal Tribunal last September, arguing that the court had "violated Jordan's fundamental right to be heard" by refusing to consider video evidence that proved the inquiry into Chiles' score was submitted on time. The team claimed that this evidence demonstrated that Chiles was indeed entitled to a bronze medal.
Nearly one year and six months later, it seems that the Swiss Federal Supreme Court has taken notice of this new evidence. In a statement confirming its acceptance, the court revealed that an "audio-visual recording discovered after the CAS award" could potentially warrant a "modification of the contested award." This development has sent shockwaves through the gymnastics community, with many now hoping that Chiles will finally get her bronze medal.
The Court has referred the case back to the original arbitrator, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, who must now re-examine the situation taking into account the new evidence. While there's no timetable for this review, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court's decision is a significant step towards justice for Chiles and her team.
USA Gymnastics has expressed its support for Chiles, stating that it recognizes the flaws in the initial process and welcomes the opportunity to hear all relevant evidence in the case. Jordan Chiles' counsel, Maurice M. Suh, has also welcomed the decision, calling it a "wrong righted" and expressing his client's determination to fight vigorously for her bronze medal.
While the road ahead remains long, this latest development is undoubtedly a positive step forward for Chiles and her team. Will this new evidence be enough to overturn the CAS's initial ruling? Only time will tell.
It's been over 542 days since the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) stripped Jordan Chiles of her only individual Olympic medal – a bronze on the floor exercise – but the long wait may finally be coming to an end. The Swiss Federal Supreme Court has accepted new video evidence that could change the course of history in the case, reviving Chiles' hopes of reclaiming her bronze medal.
Chiles and her team formally appealed the CAS's ruling through the Swiss Federal Tribunal last September, arguing that the court had "violated Jordan's fundamental right to be heard" by refusing to consider video evidence that proved the inquiry into Chiles' score was submitted on time. The team claimed that this evidence demonstrated that Chiles was indeed entitled to a bronze medal.
Nearly one year and six months later, it seems that the Swiss Federal Supreme Court has taken notice of this new evidence. In a statement confirming its acceptance, the court revealed that an "audio-visual recording discovered after the CAS award" could potentially warrant a "modification of the contested award." This development has sent shockwaves through the gymnastics community, with many now hoping that Chiles will finally get her bronze medal.
The Court has referred the case back to the original arbitrator, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, who must now re-examine the situation taking into account the new evidence. While there's no timetable for this review, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court's decision is a significant step towards justice for Chiles and her team.
USA Gymnastics has expressed its support for Chiles, stating that it recognizes the flaws in the initial process and welcomes the opportunity to hear all relevant evidence in the case. Jordan Chiles' counsel, Maurice M. Suh, has also welcomed the decision, calling it a "wrong righted" and expressing his client's determination to fight vigorously for her bronze medal.
While the road ahead remains long, this latest development is undoubtedly a positive step forward for Chiles and her team. Will this new evidence be enough to overturn the CAS's initial ruling? Only time will tell.